LEARN BRIDGE GREENSBORO
Learn bridge. Play bridge. Have fun!
Play of the Hand for Everybody
Bridge is a trick-taking game. No matter where you enjoy the game, play of the hand is the same. We are planning numerous opportunities in 2026 on this part of the game.
May, 2026 Classes
Basic Bidding. Friday mornings starting May 1. See below
Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction. Tuesday afternoons starting May 5. See below
The Slam Toolkit: Explore how and when to reach a slam contract. For advanced beginner or intermediate players. Wednesday mornings starting May 6. See below.
Modern No Trump Auction: Bidding after a notrump open is easy until it isn't. For advanced players. Thursday mornings starting May 7. See below.
Notrump Play Boot Camp: For anyone who hates to play notrump or just wants to improve their play. Monday mornings starting May 18. See below.
Current Class Offerings
Upcoming Classes
with Gail Reams
Starting Friday, May 1
Bridge Basics 1: Introduction to Bridge
with Barbara Pomer
Starting Tuesday, May 5
with Peter J. Boyd-Bowman
Starting Wednesday, May 6
with Peter J. Boyd-Bowman
starting Thursday May 7
with Judy Hellen
Starting Monday, May 18
Current Classes
Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding
with Tom May
Last class April 22.
For more information or to reserve a space, contact Judy Hellen at Judy@LearnBridgeGSO.com or text/call 336.558.3613.
Basic Bidding
with Gail Reams
for beginner players including those who need a refresher
Having a solid foundation with the modern style of basic bidding is a must for newer players. Every bid you make sends a message. Do you know:
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Which bids show the top value of your hand?
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Which bids only show the minimum value of your hand while the top is unknown?
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Which suit bids require a minimum of five cards and which bids require only four or even three cards?
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What you need to overcall? What you need to make a takeout double?
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What to open when you have a monster hand?
Knowing what your bid says as well as understanding what your partner's bid says will help you cash in on that game bonus when it is available to you. It's not just a guess.
The Basic Bidding course begins Friday, May 1, as a 10-week series taught by Gail Reams. Gail is a very experienced bridge teacher who has recently returned to Greensboro. This is a great opportunity for our newer players.
What You’ll Learn
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Opening Bids and Selecting the Best game - May 1
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Opening 1NT - May 8
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Major Suit Opening Bids - May 15
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Minor Suit Opening Bids - May 22
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Dummy Points - May 29
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Responder Bids Notrump - June 12
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Opener Bids Notrump - June 19
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Takeout Doubles - June 26
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Preempts - July 3
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Opening 2C - July 10
Details
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Dates & Time: Fridays, May 1 thru July 10, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 am (no class on June 5)
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Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
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Instructor: Gail Reams, 772-538-6137, gailreams2021@gmail.com
Cost
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$200 for all seven sessions. $30 for any single session.
Registration
Judy Hellen
📧 Judy@learnbridgegso.com
📱 336-558-3613 (call or text)
Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction
with Barbara Pomer and Andy Symmes
Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction begins on Tuesday, May 5 for four weeks. It is designed for those who are new to bridge and those who want to re-enter the game (remember college). The popular Barbara Pomer and Andy Symmes are the instructors.
This course provides an overview of all three aspects of playing the game of bridge.
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Play of the hand: Analyzing your and your partner's hand to see where tricks can be made and what techniques to use.
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Bidding: Communicating with your partner through bidding to reach the best contract.
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Defense: Communication with your partner with the cards you play so your side can take your share of tricks.
At the end of this course, you should be able to enter a casual game of bridge.
There are four sessions in this course followed by 2 weeks of practice sessions.
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May 5: The Basics of Bridge, a trick-taking game
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May. 12: Notrump Openings and Responses
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May. 19: Major Suit Openings and Responses
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May. 26: Minor Suit Openings and Responses
Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd., Greensboro
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $100 for all four sessions or $30 for individual sessions. $20 per optional practice session. Cost for repeat students is $75. You can pay in advance or at the first class. An accompanying book is highly recommended and may be purchases at a discount at the first session.
To register or for more information, contact Barbara Pomer at bdpomer@gmail.com or 336-202-1299.
The Slam Toolkit
with Peter J. Boyd-Bowman
For advanced beginner and intermediate players
Are Blackwood and Gerber the only slam bidding tools you know? Have you and your partner missed a slam contract when more than half the field bid it? Does the idea of bidding controls make you dizzy? Maybe you and your partner have tried to learn slam bidding techniques but one of you (of course it's your partner) just doesn't get it. This class is for you.
The Slam Toolkit course begins Wednesday, May 6, as a 4-week series taught by Peter J. Boyd-Bowman renowned professional player. He is prepared to deliver step-by-step guidelines for reaching good slams and avoiding bad ones. This course is limited to 12 students. Enroll early to save your seat. And bring along your partner!
What You’ll Learn
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Control Bidding: Show controls without showing fear.
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Quantitative Bidding: When math is your friend (and when it absolutely isn't).
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Keycard Blackwood: When to use it ... and when you really shouldn't.
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Gerber: Yes, it still exists. Yes, there are time to use it.
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Choosing the Right Tool: Because not every hand needs a sledgehammer.
Details
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Dates & Time: Wednesdays, May 6-27, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
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Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
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Instructor: Peter J. Boyd-Bowman, 336-686-3680, peterboydbowman@yahoo.com
(contact for technical details)
Cost
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$120 Includes class book and handouts.
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Drop-ins possible only if space permits
Registration
Judy Hellen
📧 Judy@learnbridgegso.com
📱 336-558-3613 (call or text)
Modern Notrump Auctions
(plus a touch of declarer play)
with Peter J. Boyd-Bowman
For advanced players - Limited to 12 students
The auction following a notrump open is straightforward ... until it isn't. As responder, how can you show a very shapely hand? What is a proven choice for handling interference? What can we do after there is a penalty double? This is the class for you and your partner to be prepared for the unexpected.
The Modern Notrump Auctions course begins Thursday, May 7, a 4-week series taught by Peter J. Boyd-Bowman, renowned professional player. He brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to help you up your game. This course is limited to 12 students. Enroll early to save your spot. Grab your partner to come along.
What You’ll Learn
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Modern NT Structures: Showing your shape to help reach the best spot.
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Coping with Interference: Don't let them push you around.
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Finding the Right Strain & Level: Precision over guesswork.
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Advanced Declarer Techniques: Count, plan, execute.
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Partnership Agreements: Build clarity, confidence, and consistency.
Details
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Dates & Time: Thursdays, May 7-28, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
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Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
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Instructor: Peter J. Boyd-Bowman, 336-686-3680, peterboydbowman@yahoo.com
(contact for technical details)
Cost
-
$120 Includes class book and handouts.
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Drop-ins possible only if space permits
Registration
Judy Hellen
📧 Judy@learnbridgegso.com
📱 336-558-3613 (call or text)
Notrump Play Boot Camp
with Judy Hellen
For anyone who "hates to play notrump"
Improving your declarer play is one of the best ways to improve your results at the bridge table. Learn:
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how to plan at trick one,
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how to identify your source(s) of tricks
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the recommended way to count,
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the importance of seeing your entries early, and
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how to establish winners.
The skills you learn are useful in notrump and suit contracts.
The Notrump Play Boot Camp begins Monday, May 18 for six sessions taught by Judy Hellen, accredited ACBL Best Practices teacher. Each class will be packed with practice hands. Enroll now to reserve a spot in this very fun course.
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The Thought Process - May 18
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Splits and Counting - May 25
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More Suit Establishment - June 8
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Entries - Unblocking and overtaking - June 15
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Ducking - June 22
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Hold up - June 29
Details
Dates: Mondays, May 18 thru June 29 (no class on June 1)
Time: 9:30 am - 11:45 am
Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
Instructor: Judy Hellen, Judy@LearnBridgeGSO.com or 336-558-3613
Cost: $150 for all six sessions or $30 for any single session
To register or for more information, please contact the instructor
Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding
with Tom May
Have you ever passed after the opponents opened the bidding—and then watched them settle comfortably into their best contract? Competitive bidding gives you the tools to get into the auction and make life harder for the other side.
Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding begins Wednesday, February 25, in an 8-week series taught by Tom May, known for his clear explanations and patient teaching style.
What You’ll Learn
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Preemptive opening bids
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Overcalls (suit and notrump)
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Takeout doubles and how to respond
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How competitive auctions change responder’s bids, including cuebidding and the Law of Total Tricks
Course Format
Four topics taught over two weeks each: one instructional session followed by a practice session for reinforcement.
Details
Dates & Time: Wednesdays, Feb 25–Apr 15, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 noon
Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
Instructor: Tom May, dtommay92@gmail.com, 336-210-2892
Cost
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Complete course (8 sessions): $200
Includes companion book or two free plays at a Triad Bridge Club game -
Any 2-session topic: $50
Registration
Judy Hellen
📧 Judy@learnbridgegso.com
📱 336-558-3613 (call or text)